Same here, if Suzuki were to make any changes I would rather see it receive better, fully adjustable suspension components.

Tech23

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My short list, if they did update the DR, would be a 6th gear and better forks. Might as well stick a good digital gauge on it too while they're at it, but that'd be it. Leave the rest of the bike alone. Still though, I don't see it happening. Any change requires extensive reworking of documentation, service manuals, marketing materials, etc, etc, etc.

Had one that sucked but have a few other with FI, wouldn't want carbs on my C14. With the shiiiii gas we get today you got to keep the fuel fresh for those carbs. Guess that might be true for FI but seems like less of an issue.

heres another good thing about the DRs smooth engine: makes a reasonable video platform

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Very well done Video!
Is that your work? Or from another source? And of course I have to ask ...
do you know what Camera was used? Great image quality throughout!
Some Hellish mud there mate and some knarly tracks for the DR650.
Good going.

I bought a 2002 BMW F650GS new, essentially the same as the Sertao, when I got back into riding after a long break. My wife and I put a lot of miles on it, and it has still not had any problems at all. No engine problems, engine's never been apart except for routing valve checks; no FI issues at all, still has the original wheel bearings, it just keeps going on and on with its new owner.

It's got 115,000 kms on it now. Routine maintenance is the key to longevity with any machine.

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There are plenty of owners like yourself that have had good luck with the F650's. The model goes back to around 1994 and the first "Funduro" model.

But if you follow travel reports you'll find LOTS of things have failed ... repeatedly ... on the F650's. Most common things were: dead batteries (BMW did not use a sealed battery),over charging, overheating due to failed water pumps, fuel pump issues, cracked shock mount and failed shocks, broken off forks, and lots of lots of bad wheel bearings.

Having read the Chain Gang forum for years and followed Horizon's Unlimited travelers since about 2002, I've heard quite a few trouble issues. Still, at least 75% have had NO such issues.

My theory is when pushed hard with a load ... the F650's weak areas can show up. I feel the Chinese made BMW's and Huskies will both be better in the long run.

The Terra is made mostly in China, IMO, it won't hold up as well as the Sertao. But still, most folks would be able to get 50K out of either without troubles.

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I disagree. Although nothing can really be proved definitively YET ... I feel that the Euro goes further in China and better quality will be the result. If the basic design is sound then with precise manufacture and top quality components it's a Win Win for BMW (and Husky) After all ... BMW make cars in China too.

What's been hurting BMW the last 10 years or so has been some dodgy Eastern European parts suppliers ... and some slip shod QA (quality assurance) in Berlin. Even former BMW designer David Robb admitted to this.

That being said, I doubt MY DR will get 50K miles without at least a top end. That kind of thing reflects just as much on the how the bike is ridden as much as what brand/model it is.

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Based on some experience with the DR I feel it may not be the top end that will be in need of service. If the gear box lets go ... well :eek1

But I'm sure a fresh top end couldn't hurt if you tend to over rev and hold the bike at high RPM's for long periods. Mine's at 50K now ... still good compression, no oil use and good power!
Look after the oil, valve adjustments and filters and it may surprise you.

The DR vs most any other bike is such a great compromise. To me the best, that makes it so cool, it isn't anything, it's everything. Yep, spend the coin on a BMW and you will get a better street bike for a cost in dollars and off road performance and maintenance. The BMWs suspension is not any better either. I don't know about the husky, I'd like to try one. A Ktm 690 would be cool but I'm thinking that two dr 650s would cost less to buy and maintain. I'm a card carrying member of the DR 650 fan club, can't help it

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Well said.
The reviews of the Husky Terra suspension has (so far) been pretty good.
I believe they're using Sachs suspension on the Terra. I don't have a lot of experience with Sachs, only test ridden a few Huskies and Aprilias fitted with them. Has to be better than the Bottom shelf Showa items BMW have fit to their 650 line for so many years.

690 doesn't cost anymore to maintain then a DR. Does cost more to begin with, but you do get a lot more for that money as well.

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I had a new KTM 640 in 2002 and I don't see any difference in simple maintenance cost between that and my DR650's. I do all my own work but an oil change is the same the valves are super easy on both of them, changing tires is the same, reliability was the same- nothing broke on either of them. Sprockets and chain, air filters, even aftermarket springs are the same. Most of the concern for long time costs never occur for most riders as they sell the bike and buy another before anything breaks. I did have a 950 that I had to replace the water pump on but the greater problem was obtaining parts and not that the parts were so much more expensive. Even if they were say 20% more if it only happens once how do you ultimately know it costs more to own a KTM 950 than a Suzuki Vstrom which I did also own. Besides that ownership costs are spread out so far as to be meaningless since owning a motorcycle is in itself much more expensive than a car, even though the gas is usually cheaper. My wife and I both had DR650's for a few years and it cost me more for us to go on a bike trip than taking our car to the same trip. Two bikes at 50 mpg equals one car at 25 mpg not to mention tires and oil changes etc. The overall cost of riding and owning motorcycles is far greater than the minuscule difference in maintenance costs of owning a European bike over a bike from Japan.

Hey guys, I just got my 01 DR650 about 12 weeks aga and everything is great with it except on a couple of rides we have stopped for a few minutes and the bike wont start. I can roll it off and it will pop-start though. any ideas? Thanks

Hey guys, I just got my 01 DR650 about 12 weeks aga and everything is great with it except on a couple of rides we have stopped for a few minutes and the bike wont start. I can roll it off and it will pop-start though. any ideas? Thanks

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You'll have to give us some more info. Cranks fine but won't start? Cranks slow? Button does nothing? Backfires?